NFL kicker Justin Tucker has had to defend himself against serious allegations for several months. His team, the Baltimore Ravens, are still holding back with consequences.
At the end of January, the “Baltimore Banner” published a report that accuses Justin Tucker to have shown an inappropriate, sexual behavior compared to several massage therapists. A few weeks later, another report appeared that there were new allegations. The number of masseuses who accuse Tucker of such behavior is therefore already 16.
Now the Baltimore Ravens commented for the first time in more detail about the facts. However, the NFL team remains neutral: “From our point of view, we want to make sure that we understand the facts that we listen to both sides of the situation and allow the investigation to be carried out properly and completed. We will make the decisions on the basis of all information,” Ravens President Sashi Brown told reporters from the Baltimore area at the annual league meeting.
However, the examinations mentioned can continue for a long time. In 2021, when Browns Quarterback Deshaun Watson was burdened with similar allegations, it took five months for the NFL to make a decision.
“We would like it to be much faster than it is,” said Brown. “From our point of view, we have to wait for the investigation to be concluded. The NFL understands the urgency that surrounds this type of situations and accusations and therefore we have to give them time.”
NFL: Tucker denies allegations
Tucker himself denies the allegations that are said to have occurred between 2012 and 2016. “During my entire career as a professional athlete, I have always tried to behave with the greatest possible professionalism,” Tucker explained to X. “I have never been accused of misconduct and I have never been accused of inappropriately in front of a massage therapist to have behaved inappropriately during a massage therapy session or during other body work.”
The kicker, who is in the late autumn of his career at the age of 35, showed fluctuating performances for the first time in the previous season and was no longer as constant, especially at wide distances, as usual. If the NFL actually blocks it, his time at the Ravens could end prematurely.
Until a decision is made, Tucker may initially take part in all offseason events and training courses at the Ravens.